Apparatus and method for providing and/or for fulfilling subscription services

ABSTRACT

An apparatus, including a receiver for receiving a request to receive or pick-up a good, service, or printed issue of a periodical, a newspaper, or a magazine, at a retail facility or store or at a location of a service provider, pursuant to a subscription, a processing device for processing information regarding the request, wherein the processing device determines whether the subscription is active or not active or determines whether any good, service, or issue or issues remain to be fulfilled pursuant to the subscription, and a transmitter for transmitting a message in response to the request, wherein the message contains an authorization or a denial of the request. The message is transmitted to a transaction device located at the retail facility or the store or at the location of the service provider.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation application of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 11/891,733, filed Aug. 13, 2007, and entitled“APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING AND/OR FOR FULFILLING SUBSCRIPTIONSERVICES”, which application is a continuation application of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 09/659,264, filed Sep. 11, 2000, andentitled “APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING AND/OR FOR FULFILLINGSUBSCRIPTION SERVICES”, the subject matter and teachings of whichapplications are hereby incorporated by reference herein. U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 09/659,264, filed Sep. 11, 2000, claims the benefitof priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/154,740,filed Sep. 17, 1999, and entitled “APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR PROVIDINGAND/OR FOR FULFILLING SUBSCRIPTION SERVICES”, the subject matter andteachings of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention pertains to an apparatus and a method forproviding and/or for fulfilling subscription services and, inparticular, to an apparatus and a method for providing and/or forfulfilling subscription services for periodicals, newspapers, magazines,and/or other goods and/or services which can be the subject ofsubscriptions, in a network environment.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Many individuals choose to subscribe to periodicals, newspapers,magazines, and/or other goods and/or services which can be the subjectof subscriptions. Typically, these subscriptions involve the regularmailing and/or delivery of these periodicals, newspapers, magazines,and/or other goods and/or services, to the individual's residence, placeof business and/or any other designated location or place.

These periodicals, newspapers, magazines, and/or other goods and/orservices, are also typically available at newsstands, magazine stands,in stores, and/or at other places of business. It is typical that thesubscriber of any of these periodicals, newspapers, magazines, and/orother goods and/or services, will receive a substantial discount on therespective periodicals, newspapers, magazines, and/or other goods and/orservices, from the retail pries, newsstand prices, and/or cover or fullretail prices of the respective periodicals, newspapers, magazines,and/or other goods and/or services.

Unfortunately, many subscribers sometimes find that home delivery,office delivery, and/or delivery to another location is not fullysatisfactory or convenient. Subscribers may find that they may be awayfrom home and/or the office and, therefore, not have the periodical,newspaper, magazine, and/or other good and/or service, available forimmediate their use or enjoyment. In other instances, the delivery ofthe periodical, newspaper, magazine, and/or other good and/or service,may be late, such as after the subscriber leaves the deliverydestination.

For example, a subscriber may leave for work well before a newspaper isdelivered thereby depriving the individual of the newspaper until theindividual returns home or requiring the individual to purchase the samenewspaper at a newsstand, thereby resulting in a double purchase.

In other instances, a periodical, newspaper, magazine, and/or other goodand/or service, may be unused and/or wasted such at times when theindividual is away, such as on vacation, or when the individual'sschedule prohibits him or her from utilizing and/or enjoying therespective periodical, newspaper, magazine, and/or other good and/orservice. In these instances, a portion of the subscription is wasted.

The above-described disadvantages which are associated withsubscriptions are due, in part, to the typically inflexible nature ofsubscriptions which typically require a delivery at a certaindestination at a certain delivery frequency. As can be seen, thisinflexibility can lead to great dissatisfaction with subscriptions andsubscription services.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides an apparatus and a method for providingand/or for fulfilling subscription services for periodicals, newspapers,magazines, and/or any other good or service which could be the subjectof a subscription and/or any other good and/or services providedpursuant to a relationship, contractual and/or otherwise, which providesfor a regular transaction between the parties. The present invention canbe utilized in fashioning an efficient manner for disseminating to asubscriber and/or a regular purchaser any good or service which can beprovided in commerce.

The present invention provides an apparatus which provides flexibilityin the subscription fulfillment process as well as provides flexibilityin subscription itself. The present invention provides for asubscription fulfillment program which allows a subscriber to physicallypick-up or obtain the respective periodical, newspaper, magazine, and/orother good or service, from a respective retail outlet or store, therebyeliminating any inconveniences which can be caused by relying onconventional home or office delivery. This provides flexibility in thatan individual subscriber may obtain the respective periodical,newspaper, magazine, and/or other good or service, when he or she sodesires.

The present invention provides an apparatus and a method which processesthe physical pick-up of the respective periodical, newspaper, magazine,and/or other good or service, and registers same in conjunction with thesubscription fulfillment process.

The present invention also provides flexibility in the subscriptionitself. By processing the physical pick-up of the respective periodical,newspaper, magazine, and/or other good or service, and by accordinglyregistering same, the present invention facilitates the provision of asubscription which can be flexible in length of subscription period. Inthis manner, an individual subscriber may forego certain issues of therespective periodical, newspaper, magazine, and/or other good orservice, without losing the ability to obtain future and/or additionalissues in the future and thereby safeguarding and/or protecting thevalue of the subscription.

The present invention also provides for an improved apparatus and amethod for processing subscription applications and/or requests as wellas subscription renewals, extensions, and/or terminations.

The apparatus includes a central subscription processing computer whichprocesses subscription orders and/or subscription requests andestablishes subscriptions and/or subscription accounts for therespective subscribers to any of the respective periodicals, newspapers,magazines, and/or other goods or services, described herein. Theapparatus can also include a central subscription fulfillment processingcomputer which processes data and/or information regarding and/orinvolving fulfillment services for the respective subscriptions.

The apparatus also includes a communication device which can be utilizedin order to communicate with each of the central subscription processingcomputer and the central subscription fulfillment processing computer.

The communication device can be utilized in order to communicate withthe central subscription processing computer and the centralsubscription fulfillment processing computer. The communication devicecan transmit signals to, as well as receive signals from, each of thecentral subscription processing computer and the central subscriptionfulfillment processing computer.

The apparatus also includes a point-of-sale transaction device whichprocesses point-of-sale transactions and/or retail transactionsinvolving the respective periodicals, newspapers, magazines, and/orother goods or services, which are the subject of the respectivesubscription. The point-of-sale transaction device can communicate witheach of the central subscription processing computer and the centralsubscription fulfillment processing computer. The point-of-saletransaction device can transmit signals to, as well as receive signalsfrom, each of the central subscription processing computer and thecentral subscription fulfillment processing computer.

The point-of-sale transaction device can transmit signals to, andreceive signals from, the communication device. In this manner, any ofthe central subscription processing computer, the central subscriptionfulfillment processing computer, communication device, and/or thepoint-of-sale transaction device, may communicate with each other.

A plurality of point-of-sale devices can be utilized, with each devicebeing utilized at and for a separate retail location or at a separateretail site at a retail location. A plurality of communication devicescan be utilized with each communication device being associated with asubscriber. The communication device can also be located at a publiclocation and may be a public kiosk.

The central subscription processing computer may be a single computerand/or computer system and/or may include a plurality of computersand/or computer systems. Similarly, the central subscription fulfillmentprocessing computer may be a single computer and/or computer systemand/or may include a plurality of computers and/or computer systems.

The apparatus of the present invention can be utilized over any suitablecommunication network and/or system. The communications networks and/orsystems on, or over, which the present invention may be utilized, caninclude any one or combination of telecommunication networks or systems,satellite communication networks or systems, radio communicationnetworks or systems, digital communication networks or systems, digitalsatellite communication networks or systems, personal communicationsservices networks or systems, cable television networks or systems,broadband communication networks or systems, low earth orbitingsatellite (LEDs) networks or systems, as well as in, or on any internetsand/or intranets, the Internet, the World Wide Web, and any othersuitable communication network or system.

The apparatus of the present invention can also be utilized on, or over,the Internet and/or the World Wide Web, and/or on, or over, any othersuitable communication network or combination of communication networks.

The apparatus and method of present invention can be utilized in orderto order and/or to initiate subscriptions, to renew subscriptions, toextend the term of the subscriptions, and/or to cancel and/or toterminate subscriptions, and/or to service and/or to fulfillsubscriptions, for any of the subscription, and for any of theperiodicals, newspapers, magazines, and/or goods and/or services whichcan be the subject of the respective subscriptions.

The apparatus and method of the present invention can facilitate theservicing and/or fulfillment of subscriptions in a network environment.The apparatus and method of the present invention can also facilitateproviding subscriptions which have flexibility in the servicing and/orfulfillment of same as well as facilitates providing subscriptions whichhave flexibility in the length and/or the duration of the subscription.

The apparatus and method of the present invention can also provide acentralized subscription processing and/or service and/or fulfillmentapparatus or system and/or a subscription processing and/or subscriptionfulfillment clearinghouse. The apparatus and method of the presentinvention can also provide notification to subscribers and/or otherparties regarding subscription offers, changes and/or informationregarding and event, occurrence and/or happening regarding any of thesubscriptions and/or any of the services described herein.

The present invention can be utilized in conjunction with subscriptionsinvolving periodicals, magazines, newspapers ands/or any otherinformational and/or entertainment publications.

The subscription can be for conventional printed periodicals,periodicals in electronic form or “e-periodicals”, and/or periodicals inany other form. The present invention can be utilized in conjunctionwith subscriptions regarding any good and/or service which can be thesubject of commerce. In this regard, the subscriptions described hereincan involve, but not be limited to, subscriptions for and/or regardingmovie rentals, video rentals, movie tickets, show tickets, airlinetickets, bus tickets, gasoline purchases, postage stamps and/or postage,meals tickets, tickets to sporting events, tickets to entertainmentevents, tickets to theater performances, professional services,contracted for services, and/or any other good and/or service which canbe the subject of commerce.

Any of the communications which occur and/or which transpire between anyof the computers and/or devices, and/or which occurs between anyindividual subscribers and/or operators and/or administrators of any ofthe computers and/or devices, can be effected by or via electronic mail(e-mail), electronic message transmission, telephone message, voice mailmessage, pager message, beeper message, conventional mail letter ormessage, letter, telephone call, and/or any other manner and/or mode ofcommunication.

The present invention can provide for, and can perform fulfillmentservices for, and regarding, subscriptions which have flexibility inwhen issues can be obtained and/or skipped while still providing theindividual subscriber with the value of, and/or with the number ofsubscriptions which the individual subscriber has contracted for. Theamount of subscription flexibility can be dictated by each subscriptionproviding and/or offering entity.

The central subscription processing computer and/or the centralsubscription fulfillment processing computer can provide processing forany number and/or type of subscriptions. The central subscriptionprocessing computer and/or the central subscription fulfillmentprocessing computer can administer, manage, service, and/or provideprocessing, for any number and/or types of subscriptions.

The apparatus and method of the present invention can provide forsubscriptions which can be initiated and/or created via anycommunication device and/or any point-of-sale transaction device.

The subscriptions can be fulfilled and/or services by any retail and/orother facility. In this manner, an individual subscriber may initiate asubscription for a periodical from any location and pick up the issuesof the subscription from any retail facility, newsstand and/or storewhich is a participating facility and/or a facility which utilizes thepresent invention and/or which utilizes an appropriate point-of-saletransaction device. In this manner, flexibility is provided regardingthe issue pick-up location.

The individual subscriber or an agent and/or other third partyintermediary, can access the central subscription processing computerand/or the central subscription fulfillment processing computer, via thecommunication device and/or via the point-of-sale transaction device soas to ascertain the status of a subscription such as, but not limitedto, whether the subscription is active or inactive, and/or thefulfillment status of the subscription, such as, but not limited to, thenumber of issues remaining, time for next renewal, etc.

The central subscription processing computer and/or the centralsubscription fulfillment processing computer can also notify individualsubscribers, via any means, method and/or manner of communication, viathe communication device and/or the point-of-sale transaction device, ofavailable subscriptions, of subscription sales and/or specials, ofavailable new issues, renewal notices, extension notices, terminationnotices, subscription creation and/or initiation notices, shipment toand/or arrival of the subscription issue, goods and/or services at arespective retail facility and/or other facility, and/or of any otherinformation which may be of interest to an individual subscriber.

The apparatus and method of the present invention can be utilized as asubscription clearinghouse, to match individual subscribers withsubscriptions, wherein information regarding any number of, and typesof, subscriptions can be stored in the central subscription processingcomputer and/or the central subscription fulfillment processingcomputer. Any individual subscriber can access the respective centralsubscription processing computer and/or central subscription fulfillmentprocessing computer and search for a desired subscription orsubscriptions. The individual subscriber may then apply for, and/orpurchase a subscription.

An individual subscriber can list an order for a subscription and/orsubscriptions, with information regarding the order being stored in thecentral subscription processing computer and/or the central subscriptionfulfillment processing computer. The central subscription processingcomputer and/or the central subscription fulfillment processing computercan thereafter process the order or order and notify the individual viathe communication device and/or the point-of-sale transaction device ifand when the ordered subscription is available.

The individual subscriber may be notified via e-mail, electronictransmission, pager message, beeper message, telephone call, telephonemessage, letter, voice message, physical mail delivery, and/or via anyother appropriate means, method and/or technique.

Any of the central subscription processing computer(s), the centralsubscription fulfillment processing computer(s), the communicationdevice(s), and/or the point-of-sale transaction device(s), can beprogrammed for automatic operation, self-activation, and/or programmedoperation. The central subscription processing computer and/or thecentral subscription fulfillment processing computer can be programmedto automatically generate and/or to transmit messages and/or notices toany of the individual subscribers, retailers, goods and/or servicesproviders, etc., regarding subscriptions, subscription fulfillment, theavailability of subscriptions, availability of issues and/or goodsand/or services which are the subject of a subscription.

Intelligent agents, software agents, and/or mobile agents, can beutilized so as to act on behalf of any of the parties and/or any of therespective computers and/or devices described herein.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide anapparatus and a method for providing and/or fulfilling subscriptionservices.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an apparatusand a method for providing and/or fulfilling subscription services, in anetwork environment.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide anapparatus and a method for providing and/or fulfilling subscriptionservices which allows an individual subscriber to control the manner inwhich the subscription is fulfilled.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide anapparatus and a method for providing and/or fulfilling subscriptionservices which provides for flexibility, as to time, location, and/orgood or service provider, in the fulfillment of the subscription.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an apparatusand a method for providing and/or for fulfilling subscription serviceswhich provides for a subscription which is characterized by asubscription period, term and/or duration, which allows an individualsubscriber to skip issues, goods and/or services, which are the subjectof the subscription while still allowing the individual subscriber toobtain and/or to benefit from the value of the subscription.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide anapparatus and a method for providing and/or for fulfilling subscriptionservices which facilitates an initiation of a subscription, an renewalof a subscription, an extension of a subscription, and/or thecancellation and/or termination a subscription.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide anapparatus and a method for providing and/or for fulfilling subscriptionservices which provides notification to an individual subscriberregarding subscriptions, status of their subscriptions, informationregarding fulfillment of subscriptions, and/or status of fulfillment oftheir subscriptions.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an apparatusand a method for providing and/or for fulfilling subscription serviceswhich provides for a flexible subscription as well as a flexiblesubscription fulfillment.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide anapparatus and a method for providing and/or for fulfilling subscriptionservices which allows a subscriber to physically pick-up or obtain theissue, good or service, which is the subject of the subscription.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide anapparatus and a method for providing and/or for fulfilling subscriptionservices which provides and/or processes subscription initiations,renewals, extensions, and/or terminations.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an apparatusand a method for providing and/or for fulfilling subscription serviceswhich can be utilized in conjunction with point-of-sale transactiondevices, personal computers, personal communication devices, publiccommunication devices and/or kiosks.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide anapparatus and a method for providing and/or for fulfilling subscriptionservices which can be utilized on, over, and/or in conjunction with, anycommunication system.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide anapparatus and a method for providing and/or for fulfilling subscriptionservices which can be utilized on, over, and/or in conjunction with, theInternet and/or the World Wide Web.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an apparatusand a method for providing and/or for fulfilling subscription serviceswhich provides for centralized subscription processing and/or serviceand/or fulfillment services processing for any kind and/or type ofsubscription.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide anapparatus and a method for providing and/or for fulfilling subscriptionservices which provides for processing of subscription paymentinformation.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide anapparatus and a method for providing and/or for fulfilling subscriptionservices provide notification regarding available subscriptions,subscription sales and/or specials, available new issues, renewalnotices, extension notices, termination notices, subscription creationand/or initiation notices, shipment to and/or arrival of a subscriptionissue, goods and/or services, at a respective retail facility and/orother facility, and/or of any other information which may be of interestto an individual subscriber.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an apparatusand a method for providing and/or for fulfilling subscription serviceswhich provides a clearinghouse for matching individual subscribers tosubscriptions.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide anapparatus and a method for providing and/or for fulfilling subscriptionservices which provides for an apparatus which is programmed to provideany of the functionality described herein.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide anapparatus and a method for providing and/or for fulfilling subscriptionservices which can be utilized in conjunction with intelligent agents,software agents, and/or mobile agents.

Other objects and advantages of the present invention will be apparentto those skilled in the art upon a review of the Description of thePreferred Embodiment taken in conjunction with the Drawings whichfollow.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the Drawings:

FIG. 1 illustrates the apparatus of the present invention, in blockdiagram form;

FIG. 2 illustrates the central subscription processing computer of FIG.1, in block diagram form;

FIG. 3 illustrates the central subscription fulfillment processingcomputer of FIG. 1, in block diagram form;

FIG. 4 illustrates the communication device of FIG. 1, in block diagramform;

FIG. 5 illustrates the point-of-sale transaction device of FIG. 1, inblock diagram form;

FIG. 6 illustrates a flow diagram of a preferred embodiment operation ofthe present invention in initiating a subscription;

FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrate a flow diagram of a preferred embodimentoperation of the present invention in providing fulfillment services fora subscription; and

FIGS. 8A and 8B illustrate a flow diagram of another preferredembodiment operation of the present invention in providing fulfillmentservices for a subscription.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention provides an apparatus and a method for providingand/or for fulfilling subscription services for periodicals, newspapers,magazines, and/or any other good or service which could be the subjectof a subscription and/or any other good and/or services providedpursuant to a relationship, contractual and/or otherwise, which providesfor a regular transaction between the parties. The present invention canbe utilized in fashioning an efficient manner for disseminating to asubscriber and/or a regular purchaser any good or service which can beprovided in commerce.

The present invention provides an apparatus which provides flexibilityin the subscription fulfillment process as well as provides flexibilityin subscription itself.

The present invention provides for a subscription fulfillment programwhich allows a subscriber to physically pick-up or obtain the respectiveperiodical, newspaper, magazine, and/or other good or service, from arespective retail outlet or store, thereby eliminating anyinconveniences which can be caused by relying on conventional home oroffice delivery. This provides flexibility in that an individualsubscriber may obtain the respective periodical, newspaper, magazine,and/or other good or service, when he or she so desires.

The present invention provides an apparatus and a method which processesthe physical pick-up of the respective periodical, newspaper, magazine,and/or other good or service, and registers same in conjunction with thesubscription fulfillment process.

The present invention also provides flexibility in the subscriptionitself. By processing the physical pick-up of the respective periodical,newspaper, magazine, and/or other good or service, and by accordinglyregistering same, the present invention facilitates the provision of asubscription which can be flexible in length of subscription period. Inthis manner, an individual subscriber may forego certain issues of therespective periodical, newspaper, magazine, and/or other good orservice, without losing the ability to obtain future and/or additionalissues in the future and thereby safeguarding and/or protecting thevalue of the subscription. For example, an individual may forego pickingup an issue of a newspaper of magazine and, depending on the conditionsof the subscription, be entitles to extend his or her subscriptionand/or ability to receive an number of future issues of the newspaper ormagazine, thereby providing flexibility in the subscription period.

The present invention also provides for an improved apparatus and amethod for processing subscription applications and/or requests as wellas subscription renewals, extensions, and/or terminations.

Applicant hereby incorporates by reference herein the subject matter andteachings of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/154,740which teaches and discloses an apparatus and method for providing and/orfor fulfilling subscription services.

The term “subscription provider”, and/or any plural use thereof, refersto any provider of any of the subscriptions described herein, and/or anyagent, broker, and/or third party acting on behalf or the subscriptionprovider, publisher, goods provider, service provider, and/or any otherrelevant entity.

The term “subscription fulfillment provider”, and/or any plural usethereof, refers to any provider of services for fulfilling any of theherein described subscriptions described herein.

The term “subscriber”, and/or any plural use thereof, refers to anysubscribing individual, business, institution, and/or entity, of any ofthe subscription goods and/or services described herein.

FIG. 1 illustrates the apparatus of the present invention in blockdiagram form. The apparatus is generally denoted by the referencenumeral 100. The apparatus 1 includes a central subscription processingcomputer 10. The central subscription processing computer 10 processessubscription orders and/or subscription requests and establishessubscriptions and/or subscription accounts for the respectivesubscribers to any of the respective periodicals, newspapers, magazines,and/or other goods or services, described herein.

The apparatus 1 also includes a central subscription fulfillmentprocessing computer 20 which processes data and/or information regardingand/or involving fulfillment services for the respective subscriptions.

In the preferred embodiment, each of the central subscription processingcomputer 10 and the central subscription processing computer 20 arecomputers and/or computer systems may be any suitable server computer,network computer, mainframe computer, mini-computer, personal computer,and/or any other computer and/or computer system which is suitable forperforming the respective processing functions of the respectivecomputers in a network environment.

The apparatus 1 also includes a communication device 30 which, in thepreferred embodiment, is utilized in order to communicate with each ofthe central subscription processing computer 10 and the centralsubscription fulfillment processing computer 20. In the preferredembodiment, the communication device can be a personal computer, a homecomputer, a personal digital assistant, a telephone, a wirelesstelephone, a cellular telephone, a hand-held computer, a palm-topcomputer, and/or any other computer and/or communication device.

The communication device 30 is utilized, in the manner described herein,in order to communicate with the central subscription processingcomputer 10 and the central subscription fulfillment processing computer20. In this regard, the communication device 30 can transmit signals to,as well as receive signals from, each of the central subscriptionprocessing computer 10 and the central subscription fulfillmentprocessing computer 20.

The apparatus also includes a point-of-sale transaction device 40. Thepoint-of-sale transaction device 40 processes point-of-sale transactionsand/or retail transactions involving the respective periodicals,newspapers, magazines, and/or other goods or services, which are thesubject of the respective subscription. The point-of-sale transactiondevice 40 communicates with each of the central subscription processingcomputer 10 and the central subscription fulfillment processing computer20. In this regard, the point-of-sale transaction device 40 can transmitsignals to, as well as receive signals from, each of the centralsubscription processing computer 10 and the central subscriptionfulfillment processing computer 20.

In the preferred embodiment, the point-of-sale transaction device 40 cantransmit signals to, and receive signals from, the communication device30. In this manner, any of the central subscription processing computer10, the central subscription fulfillment processing computer 20,communication device 30 and/or the point-of-sale transaction device 40,may communication with each other.

In the preferred embodiment, a plurality of point-of-sale devices 40 canbe utilized, with each device 40 being utilized at and for a separateretail location or at a separate retail site at a retail location. Inthe preferred embodiment, a plurality of communication devices 30 can beutilized with each communication device 30 being associated with asubscriber. The communication device 30 may also be located at a publiclocation and may be a public kiosk.

The central subscription processing computer 10 may be a single computerand/or computer system and/or may include a plurality of computersand/or computer systems. In the same manner, the central subscriptionfulfillment processing computer 20 may be a single computer and/orcomputer system and/or may include a plurality of computers and/orcomputer systems.

The apparatus 1 of the present invention, in the preferred embodiment,is utilized over any suitable communication network and/or system.

The communications networks and/or systems on, or over, which thepresent invention may be utilized, can include any one or combination oftelecommunication networks or systems, satellite communication networksor systems, radio communication networks or systems, digitalcommunication networks or systems, digital satellite communicationnetworks or systems, personal communications services networks orsystems, cable television networks or systems, broadband communicationnetworks or systems, low earth orbiting satellite (LEDs) networks orsystems, as well as in, or on any internets and/or intranets, theInternet, the World Wide Web, and any other suitable communicationnetwork or system.

In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus 1 is utilized on, or over, theInternet and/or the World Wide Web. In other preferred embodiments, theapparatus 1 can also be utilized on, or over, any suitable communicationnetwork and/or any combination of communication networks.

FIG. 2 illustrates the central subscription processing computer 10, inblock diagram form. The central subscription processing computer 10, inthe preferred embodiment, is a network computer or computer system whichis utilized as a central subscription processing computer such as anInternet server computer and/or a web site server computer.

The central subscription processing computer 10 can also be any othercomputer or computer system which can be utilized in any communicationnetwork. In the preferred embodiment, the central subscriptionprocessing computer 10 includes a central processing unit or CPU 10A,which in the preferred embodiment, is a microprocessor. The CPU 10A mayalso be a microcomputer, a minicomputer, a macro-computer, and/or amainframe computer, depending upon the application.

The central subscription processing computer 10 also includes a randomaccess memory device(s) 10B (RAM) and a read only memory device(s) 10C(ROM), each of which is connected to the CPU 10A, a user input device10D, for entering data and/or commands into the central subscriptionprocessing computer 10, which includes any one or more of a key pad, akeyboard, a scanner, a touch pad, a signature pad, a card reader, amagnetic strip card reader, a user pointing device, such as, forexample, a mouse, a touch pad, and/or an audio input device and/or avideo input device, etc., if desired, which input device(s) is alsoconnected to the CPU 10A.

The central subscription processing computer 10 also includes a displaydevice 10E for displaying data and/or information to a user or operator.

The central subscription processing computer 10 also includes atransmitter(s) 10F, for transmitting signals and/or data and/orinformation to any one or more of the central subscription processingcomputer(s) 10, the central subscription fulfillment processingcomputer(s) 20, the point-of-sale transaction devices 40, and thecommunication devices 30, which may be utilized in conjunction with thepresent invention. The central subscription processing computer 10 alsoincludes a receiver 10G, for receiving signals and/or data and/orinformation from to any one or more of the central subscriptionprocessing computer(s) 10, the central subscription fulfillmentprocessing computer(s) 20, the point-of-sale transaction devices 40, andthe communication devices 30, which may be utilized in conjunction withthe present invention.

The central subscription processing computer 10 also includes a database10H. The database can include data and/or information regarding thepublisher or entity which provides any of the periodicals, newspapers,magazines, for which subscriptions are provided and/or available via theapparatus of the present invention. The database 10H can also includedata and/or information regarding the goods provider and/or the servicesprovider for any of the respective goods and/or services for whichsubscriptions are provided and/or made available via the apparatus ofthe present invention.

The database 10H also includes data and/or information regarding thename of the respective periodicals, newspapers, magazines, and/or goodsor services, which can be the subject of the subscriptions. The database10H also includes data and/or information regarding the types ofsubscription available for the respective periodicals, newspapers,magazines, and/or goods or services, the length and/or duration of therespective subscriptions, the prices of the respective subscriptions,any conditions and/or miscellaneous information regarding thesubscriptions available.

The database 10H also includes data and/or information regarding theindividual subscribers, individuals, businesses, business entities,institutions, and/or others, who subscribe to any subscriptions via theapparatus of the present invention. The individual data and/orinformation can contain any pertinent information regarding thesubscribers, such as sex, gender, age, educational level, occupation,marital status, and information regarding the individual's creditcard(s), charge card(s), debit card(s), bank accounts, and/or otherfinancial information for allowing the individual to pay for therespective subscriptions.

The database 10H also includes information regarding the subscriptionswhich each individual has subscribed to, type of subscription,subscription length or duration, subscription cost, subscriptionrenewals, subscription extensions, issues or portions of subscriptionsused and still available, any/or any other relevant informationregarding the respective subscriptions and/or the fulfillment of therespective subscriptions.

In the case of business subscribers, the database 10H also includes dataand/or information regarding the business subscribers, the name andaddress of the business subscribers, the businesses of the businesssubscribers, the sizes of the business subscribers, informationregarding the business subscriber's credit card(s), charge card(s),debit card(s), bank accounts, and/or other financial information forallowing the business subscriber to pay for the respectivesubscriptions.

The database 10H also includes information regarding the subscriptionswhich each business subscriber has subscribed to, type of subscription,subscription length or duration, subscription cost, subscriptionrenewals, subscription extensions, issues or portions of subscriptionsused and still available, any/or any other relevant informationregarding the respective subscriptions and/or the fulfillment of therespective subscriptions.

The database 10H also includes information regarding the date therespective subscriptions were ordered, became effective, date of thestart of the subscription, date of subscription termination, retailerand/or subscription origination agent from who the subscriptionoriginated, and the retailer, goods provider, and/or services provider,subscription service entity, and/or subscription fulfillment entityand/or agent from whom the subscriber will obtain the respectiveperiodicals, newspapers, magazines, and/or goods or services, which arebe the subject of the subscriptions. The database 10H also includesinformation regarding customer service agents and/or entities forproviding customer services for, and/or regarding, any of the respectivesubscriptions.

The database 10H may also contain any other information which may berelevant, pertinent, useful, and/or desired, for facilitating theoperation of the apparatus and method of the present invention asdescribed herein and/or as related thereto.

The database 10H, in the preferred embodiment, is a database which mayinclude individual databases or collections of databases, with eachdatabase being designated to store any and all of the data and/orinformation described herein. Applicant hereby incorporates by referenceherein the teachings of Basic Business Statistics Concepts andApplications, Mark L. Berenson and David M. Levine, 6^(th) Edition,Prentice Hall 1996.

The database 10H, or collection of databases, may be updated by each ofthe respective individual subscribers, central subscription processingcomputer operator or administrator, central subscription fulfillmentprocessing computer operator or administrator, point-of-sale transactiondevice operator, communication device operator or administrator, via anyof their respective computers and/or devices, and/or by any other thirdparty, in real-time, and/or via dynamically linked database managementtechniques.

The data and/or information stored in the database 10H can also beupdated by external sources. The database 10H will contain any and allinformation deemed necessary and/or desirable for providing all of theprocessing and/or services and/or functions described herein. Applicanthereby incorporates by reference herein the subject matter ofFundamentals of Database Systems, by Ramez Elmasri and Shamkant B.Navathe, 2^(nd) Ed., Addison-Wesley Publishing Company, 1994.

The database 10H can also include any contact information for any of thesubscribers, subscription providers, subscription fulfillment providers,retailers, point-of-sale entities, etc., such as, but not limited to,names, addresses, telephone numbers, fax numbers, e-mail addresses,and/or any other contact information, for the respective party. Thedatabase 10H also includes any of the above-described contactinformation regarding any intermediaries, third parties, agents, and/orbrokers, who utilize the apparatus of the present invention.

The database 10H can also include any other data and/or informationneeded and/or desired for facilitating the functions and operation ofthe present invention as described herein.

With reference once again to FIG. 2, the central subscription processingcomputer 10 also includes an output device 10I such as a printer, amodem, a fax/modem, or other output device, for providing data and/orinformation to the operator or user of the central subscriptionprocessing computer 10 or to a third party or third party entity.

FIG. 3 illustrates the central subscription fulfillment processingcomputer 20, in block diagram form. The central subscription fulfillmentprocessing computer 20, in the preferred embodiment, is a networkcomputer or computer system which is utilized as a central subscriptionfulfillment processing computer such as an Internet server computerand/or a web site server computer.

The central subscription fulfillment processing computer 20 can also beany other computer or computer system which can be utilized in anycommunication network. In the preferred embodiment, the centralsubscription fulfillment processing computer 20 includes a centralprocessing unit or CPU 20A, which in the preferred embodiment, is amicroprocessor. The CPU 20A may also be a microcomputer, a minicomputer,a macro-computer, and/or a mainframe computer, depending upon theapplication.

The central subscription fulfillment processing computer 20 alsoincludes a random access memory device(s) 20B (RAM) and a read onlymemory device(s) 20C (ROM), each of which is connected to the CPU 20A, auser input device 20D, for entering data and/or commands into thecentral subscription fulfillment processing computer 20, which includesany one or more of a key pad, a keyboard, a scanner, a touch pad, asignature pad, a card reader, a magnetic strip card reader, a userpointing device, such as, for example, a mouse, a touch pad, and/or anaudio input device and/or a video input device, etc., if desired, whichinput device(s) is also connected to the CPU 20A.

The central subscription fulfillment processing computer 20 alsoincludes a display device 20E for displaying data and/or information toa user or operator.

The central subscription fulfillment processing computer 20 alsoincludes a transmitter(s) 20F, for transmitting signals and/or dataand/or information to any one or more of the central subscriptionfulfillment processing computer(s) 20, the central subscriptionprocessing computer(s) 10, the point-of-sale transaction devices 40, andthe communication devices 30, which may be utilized in conjunction withthe present invention. The central subscription fulfillment processingcomputer 20 also includes a receiver 20G, for receiving signals and/ordata and/or information from to any one or more of the centralsubscription fulfillment processing computer(s) 20, the centralsubscription processing computer(s) 10, the point-of-sale transactiondevices 40, and the communication devices 30, which may be utilized inconjunction with the present invention.

The central subscription fulfillment processing computer 20 alsoincludes a database 20H. The database can include data and/orinformation regarding the publisher or entity which provides any of theperiodicals, newspapers, magazines, for which subscriptions are providedand/or available via the apparatus of the present invention. Thedatabase 20H can also include data and/or information regarding thegoods provider and/or the services provider for any of the respectivegoods and/or services for which subscriptions are provided and/or madeavailable via the apparatus of the present invention.

The database 20H also includes data and/or information regarding thename of the respective periodicals, newspapers, magazines, and/or goodsor services, which can be the subject of the subscriptions. The database20H also includes data and/or information regarding the types ofsubscription available for the respective periodicals, newspapers,magazines, and/or goods or services, the length and/or duration of therespective subscriptions, the prices of the respective subscriptions,any conditions and/or miscellaneous information regarding thesubscriptions available.

The database 20H also includes data and/or information regarding theindividual subscribers, individuals, businesses, business entities,institutions, and/or others, who subscribe to any subscriptions via theapparatus of the present invention. The individual data and/orinformation can contain any pertinent information regarding thesubscribers, such as sex, gender, age, educational level, occupation,marital status, and information regarding the individual's creditcard(s), charge card(s), debit card(s), bank accounts, and/or otherfinancial information for allowing the individual to pay for therespective subscriptions.

The database 20H also includes information regarding the subscriptionswhich each individual has subscribed to, type of subscription,subscription length or duration, subscription cost, subscriptionrenewals, subscription extensions, issues or portions of subscriptionsused and still available, any/or any other relevant informationregarding the respective subscriptions and/or the fulfillment of therespective subscriptions.

In the case of business subscribers, the database 20H also includes dataand/or information regarding the business subscribers, the name andaddress of the business subscribers, the businesses of the businesssubscribers, the sizes of the business subscribers, informationregarding the business subscriber's credit card(s), charge card(s),debit card(s), bank accounts, and/or other financial information forallowing the business subscriber to pay for the respectivesubscriptions.

The database 20H also includes information regarding the subscriptionswhich each business subscriber has subscribed to, type of subscription,subscription length or duration, subscription cost, subscriptionrenewals, subscription extensions, issues or portions of subscriptionsused and still available, any/or any other relevant informationregarding the respective subscriptions and/or the fulfillment of therespective subscriptions.

The database 20H also includes information regarding the date therespective subscriptions were ordered, became effective, date of thestart of the subscription, date of subscription termination, retailerand/or subscription origination agent from who the subscriptionoriginated, and the retailer, goods provider, and/or services provider,subscription service entity, and/or subscription fulfillment entityand/or agent from whom the subscriber will obtain the respectiveperiodicals, newspapers, magazines, and/or goods or services, which arebe the subject of the subscriptions. The database 20H also includesinformation regarding customer service agents and/or entities forproviding customer services for, and/or regarding, any of the respectivesubscriptions.

The database 20H may also contain any other information which may berelevant, pertinent, useful, and/or desired, for facilitating theoperation of the apparatus and method of the present invention asdescribed herein and/or as related thereto.

The database 20H, in the preferred embodiment, is a database which mayinclude individual databases or collections of databases, with eachdatabase being designated to store any and all of the data and/orinformation described herein.

The database 20H, or collection of databases, may be updated by each ofthe respective individual subscribers, central subscription fulfillmentprocessing computer operator or administrator, central subscriptionfulfillment processing computer operator or administrator, point-of-saletransaction device operator, communication device operator oradministrator, via any of their respective computers and/or devices,and/or by any other third party, in real-time, and/or via dynamicallylinked database management techniques.

The data and/or information stored in the database 20H can also beupdated by external sources. The database 20H will contain any and allinformation deemed necessary and/or desirable for providing all of theprocessing and/or services and/or functions described herein.

The database 20H can also include any contact information for any of thesubscribers, subscription providers, subscription fulfillment providers,retailers, point-of-sale entities, etc., such as, but not limited to,names, addresses, telephone numbers, fax numbers, e-mail addresses,and/or any other contact information, for the respective party. Thedatabase 20H also includes any of the above-described contactinformation regarding any intermediaries, third parties, agents, and/orbrokers, who utilize the apparatus of the present invention.

The database 20H can also include any other data and/or informationneeded and/or desired for facilitating the functions and operation ofthe present invention as described herein.

With reference once again to FIG. 3, the central subscriptionfulfillment processing computer 20 also includes an output device 20Isuch as a printer, a modem, a fax/modem, or other output device, forproviding data and/or information to the operator or user of the centralsubscription fulfillment processing computer 20 or to a third party orthird party entity.

FIG. 4 illustrates the communication device 30, in block diagram form.The communication device 30, in the preferred embodiment, is a personalcomputer, a personal digital assistant, a communication device, and/orany other suitable computer or communication device which can beutilized to access and/or to communicate with any of the centralsubscription processing computer(s) 10, central subscription fulfillmentprocessing computer(s) 20, and/or any of the point-of-sale transactiondevices 40, described herein. In the preferred embodiment, thecommunication device 30 includes a central processing unit or CPU 30A,which in the preferred embodiment, is a microprocessor. The CPU 30A mayalso be a microcomputer, a minicomputer, a macro-computer, and/or amainframe computer, depending upon the application.

The communication device 30 also includes a random access memorydevice(s) 30B (RAM) and a read only memory device(s) 30C (ROM), each ofwhich is connected to the CPU 30A, a user input device 30D, for enteringdata and/or commands into the communication device 30, which includesany one or more of a key pad, a keyboard, a scanner, a touch pad, asignature pad, a card reader, a magnetic strip card reader, a userpointing device, such as, for example, a mouse, a touch pad, and/or anaudio input device and/or a video input device, etc., if desired, whichinput device(s) is also connected to the CPU 30A. The communicationdevice 30 also includes a display device 30E for displaying data and/orinformation to a individual user or operator.

The communication device 30 also includes a transmitter(s) 30F, fortransmitting signals and/or data and/or information to any one or moreof the central subscription processing computer(s) 10, the centralsubscription fulfillment processing computer(s) 20, and/or to any of thepoint-of-sale transaction devices 40, which may be utilized inconjunction with the present invention. The communication device 30 alsoincludes a receiver 30G, for receiving signals and/or data and/orinformation from any one or more of the central subscription processingcomputer(s) 10, the central subscription fulfillment processingcomputer(s) 20, and/or to any of the point-of-sale transaction devices40, which may be utilized in conjunction with the present invention.

The communication device 30 also includes a database(s) 30H which cancontain any and/or all of the data and/or information described hereinas being stored in the databases of central subscription processingcomputer(s) 10, the central subscription fulfillment processingcomputer(s) 20, and/or any of the point-of-sale transaction devices 40,described herein.

With reference once again to FIG. 4, the communication device 30 alsoincludes an output device 30I such as a printer, a modem, a fax/modem,or other output device, for providing data and/or information to theoperator or user of the communication device 30 or to a third party orthird party entity.

FIG. 5 illustrates the point-of-sale transaction device of FIG. 1, inblock diagram form. In FIG. 5, the point-of-sale transaction device 40,in the preferred embodiment, includes a central processing unit or CPU40A, a scanner/reader 40B, for scanning and/or reading any of the creditcards, charge cards, debit cards, value cards, smart cards, etc, whichmay be utilized in conjunction with the present invention. Thescanner/reader 40A is connected to the CPU 40A. The point-of-saletransaction device 40 also includes associated random access memory 40C(RAM) and read only memory 40D (ROM) devices, which are also connectedto the CPU 40A, a user input device 40E, which is typically any one ormore of a key pad, a keyboard, a scanner, a touch pad, a signature pad,a card reader, a magnetic strip card reader, a user pointing device,such as, for example, a mouse, a touch pad, and/or an audio input deviceand/or a video input device, etc., if desired, or other suitable inputdevice for inputting data into the point-of-sale transaction device 40and which is also connected to the CPU 40A, and a display device 40F fordisplaying information and/or data to a user or operator, which displaydevice 40F is also connected to the CPU 40A.

The point-of-sale transaction device 40 also includes a transmitter 40Gfor transmitting signals and/or data to the central subscriptionprocessing computer 10, the central subscription fulfillment processingcomputer 20, and/or the communication device 30 and/or to any otherdevice associated with any of the subscription providers, thesubscription fulfillment providers, and/or the subscribers describedherein. The transmitter 40G is also connected to the CPU 40A. Thepoint-of-sale transaction device 40 also includes a receiver 40H forreceiving signals and/or data from any of the central subscriptionprocessing computer 10, the central subscription fulfillment processingcomputer 20, and/or the communication device 30, and/or to any otherdevice associated with any of the subscription providers, thesubscription fulfillment providers, and/or the subscribers describedherein. The receiver 40H is also connected to the CPU 40A.

The point-of-sale transaction device 40 also includes a database 40I.The database 40I can include any of the data and/or informationdescribed herein as being stored and/or which can be stored in thedatabases 10H, 20H and/or 30H, of the respective central subscriptionprocessing computer(s) 10, the central subscription fulfillmentprocessing computer(s) 20, and/or the communication device(s) 30,described herein.

The point-of-sale transaction device 40 also includes a printer 40J orother appropriate output device for outputting data to the operator. Theprinter 40J is also connected to the CPU 40A. In the preferredembodiment, the printer 40J prints receipts corresponding to any of thesubscription transactions described herein as capable of being performedby the present invention.

The apparatus and method of present invention can be utilized in orderto order and/or to initiate subscriptions, to renew subscriptions, toextend subscriptions, to cancel and/or to terminate subscriptions,and/or to service and/or to fulfill subscriptions, for any of thesubscription, and for any of the periodicals, newspapers, magazines,and/or goods and/or services which can be the subject of the respectivesubscriptions.

The apparatus and method of the present invention facilitates theservicing and/or fulfillment of subscriptions in a network environment.The apparatus and method of the present invention also facilitatesproviding subscriptions which have flexibility in the servicing and/orfulfillment of same as well as facilitates providing subscriptions whichhave flexibility in the length and/or the duration of the subscription.

The apparatus and method of the present invention also provides acentralized subscription processing and/or service and/or fulfillmentapparatus or system and/or a subscription processing and/or subscriptionfulfillment clearinghouse. The apparatus and method of the presentinvention also provides notification to subscribers and/or other partiesregarding subscription offers, changes and/or information regarding andevent, occurrence and/or happening regarding any of the subscriptionsand/or any of the services described herein.

In the herein-described preferred embodiment operations of the presentinvention, the present invention can be utilized in conjunction withsubscriptions involving periodicals, magazines, newspapers ands/or anyother informational and/or entertainment publications (hereinafterreferred to collectively as “periodical” or “periodicals”).

The subscription can be for conventional printed periodicals,periodicals in electronic form or “e-periodicals”, and/or periodicals inany other form. Although described as being utilized in conjunction withsubscriptions for periodicals, the preferred embodiment operations ofthe present invention can be utilized in conjunction with subscriptionsregarding any good and/or service which can be the subject of commerce.In this regard, the subscriptions described herein can involve, but notbe limited to, subscriptions for and/or regarding movie rentals, videorentals, movie tickets, show tickets, airline tickets, bus tickets,gasoline purchases, postage stamps and/or postage, meals tickets,tickets to sporting events, tickets to entertainment events, tickets totheater performances, professional services, contracted for services,and/or any other good and/or service which can be the subject ofcommerce.

FIG. 6 illustrates a flow diagram of a preferred embodiment operation ofthe present invention in creating and/or initiating a subscription to aperiodical. In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus can initiate and/orcreate a subscription which allows the individual subscriber to pick-upthe issues of the periodicals at a retail facility, such as at anewsstand and/or at a magazine stand, thereby allowing the individualsubscriber the freedom and convenience of picking up issues at anydesired time and/or from any desired retail facility.

The apparatus can also initiate and/or create a subscription which canbe a conventionally deliverable subscription which can be initiatedand/or created via an on-line transaction and which allows theindividual subscriber to dictate subscription parameters such, but notlimited to, subscription conditions, subscription terms of agreement,payment methods, subscription term or period, and/or in any other mannerdescribed herein.

Operation of the apparatus commences at step 100. At step 101, theindividual subscriber can access the central subscription processingcomputer 10 via either the respective communication device and/or thepoint-of-sale transaction device 40. In an alternative embodiment, thecentral subscription processing computer can contact the individual viathe individual's communication device 30.

At step 102, the individual subscriber, the respective communicationdevice 30 or point-of-sale device 40, can select the periodical orperiodicals which the individual subscriber wishes to subscribe to. Atstep 102, the individual subscriber also enters and or selects the termof the subscription and/or the number of issues for which the individualsubscriber wishes to subscribe. The individual subscriber can also, atstep 102, enter or select a payment method which may include payment bycredit card, charge card, debit card, direct withdrawal from checkingaccount or savings account, cash payment at the retail location and/orat the location of the point-of-sale transaction device 40, and/or viaelectronic money, electronic cash, electronic check, digital money,and/or digital cash, and/or via authorization to charge against and/ormake payment form any of the herein-described accounts, via therespective communication device 30 and/or point-of-sale transactiondevice 40. The individual subscriber may also, at step 102, enter orselect to pay for the subscription on a per issue basis.

At step 102, the individual subscriber may also select the manner and/ormode by which he. She or it, desires to effect subscriptiontransactions. The individual subscriber may elect to effecttransactions, such as picking up an issue of the periodical andaccounting for same by utilizing an access code or personalidentification number (PIN) or code, by utilizing an account card havingaccount and/or subscription information embedded in a magnetic strip orin an embedded microprocessor or micro-controller, by utilizing a creditcard, a charge card, a debit card and/or any other device or entity forallowing the individual subscriber to effect a subscription transactionat the respective point-of-sale transaction device 40 and/or at therespective communication device 30.

At step 102, the individual subscriber can also enter and/or select anyother information and/or instructions regarding the subscription, suchas, for example, the number of issues desired, the length or duration ofthe subscription, the retail center and/or business where the individualsubscriber desires or expects to pick-up and/or receive the issue orissues of the subscription periodical, and/or the retailer and/orbusiness from which the individual subscriber desires and/or expects toreceive delivery of the issue or issues of the subscription periodical.The number of issues, the length or duration of the subscription, and/orthe servicing and/or fulfillment services and/or conditions, can beflexible and can be changes by the individual subscriber at any time andfrom any point-of-sale transaction device 40 and/or from anycommunication device 30 described herein.

In this manner, the apparatus and method of the present invention can beutilized to provide for flexible subscriptions and/or for flexibility inthe servicing and/or fulfillment of any of the subscriptions.

At step 103, the central subscription processing computer 10, willprocess the subscription request and/or any other information and/orinstructions entered and/or elected at step 102 and create the desiredsubscription.

At step 104, the central subscription processing computer 10 willtransmit an appropriate confirmation message to the individualsubscriber at the respective communication device 30 and/or at therespective point-of-sale transaction device 40, notifying the individualsubscriber of the creation and/or the initiation of the subscription. Atstep 105, the central subscription processing computer 10 will transmitan appropriate message and/or signal to the central subscriptionfulfillment processing computer 20 to arrange for the fulfillment of therespective subscription. Steps 104 and 105 may be interchanged and,therefore, can be performed in any order.

At step 106, the central subscription processing computer 10 willtransmit information, and/or any appropriate account card, smart card,and/or debit card, and/or any electronic and/or digital signals forprogramming any of the respective account card, smart card, and/or debitcard, with any respective value for effecting the transactions pursuantto the subscription. The respective communication devices 30 and/orpoint-of-sale transaction devices 40 can also include any appropriatedevice for programming and/or transferring subscription value to any ofthe respective account cards, smart cards, and/or debit cards, describedherein.

In any and/or all of the embodiments described herein, any of thecommunications which occur and/or which transpire between any of thecomputers and/or devices 10, 20, 30, and/or 40, described herein, and/orwhich occurs between any individual subscribers and/or operators and/oradministrators of any of the computers and/or devices 10, 20, 30, and/or40, can be effected by or via electronic mail (e-mail), electronicmessage transmission, telephone message, voice mail message, pagermessage, beeper message, conventional mail letter or message, letter,telephone call, and/or any other manner and/or mode of communication.

Once step 106 is completed, the subscription will be activated.Thereafter, the operation of the apparatus will cease at step 107.

Thereafter, the individual subscriber may access the centralsubscription processing computer 10, such as at step 101 and/or 102, andmake changes to the subscription, renew the subscription, extend theterm of the subscription, lengthen the subscription, shorten thesubscription, change and/or modify any of the conditions and/orinformation and/or instructions regarding the subscription, describedherein, and/or entered and/or selected by the individual subscriber asdescribed with reference to the description of the flow diagram of FIG.6 and/or otherwise. The central subscription processing computer 10 willthereafter process the change to the subscription and update thesubscription data and/or information accordingly.

In this manner, the individual subscriber can renew a subscription,extend the term of the subscription, lengthen a subscription, shorten asubscription, change a retail or point-of-sale location for pick-up orreceipt therefrom and/or for delivery therefrom. Subscription changesmay be entered and/or selected by the individual subscriber in real-timeand/or otherwise, via an respective communication device 30 and/or viaany point-of-sale transaction device 40.

At any time, the individual subscriber can also access any centralsubscription processing computer 10 and/or any central subscriptionfulfillment processing computer 20 in order to determine thesubscription status and/or to change, alter and/or modify, any of theinformation, described herein and/or otherwise, which is related to,and/or regarding, the subscription, the fulfillment of the subscription,the status of the subscription, and/or the subscription fulfillmentstatus of the subscription and/or the service status of thesubscription.

The respective central subscription processing computer 10 and/or thecentral subscription fulfillment processing computer 20 will thereafterprocess the change to the subscription and update the subscription dataand/or information accordingly.

FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrate a flow diagram of another preferredembodiment operation of the apparatus and method of the presentinvention in fulfilling subscriptions and/or servicing subscriptions. Inthe embodiment of FIGS. 7A and 7B, the apparatus allows the individualsubscriber to pick-up the issues of the periodicals at a retailfacility, such as at a newsstand and/or at a magazine stand, therebyallowing the individual subscriber the freedom and convenience ofpicking up issues at any desired time and/or from any desired retailfacility.

The operation of the present invention, as illustrated and described inFIGS. 7A and 7B, can typically be utilized once a subscription has beencreated via the method described herein with reference to FIG. 6, aswell as by any other conventional subscription creating and/orinitiation method.

In the preferred embodiment of FIGS. 7A and 7B, the apparatus of thepresent invention can also be utilized at the same time as, or inconjunction with, the creation and/or commencement of a subscription soas to provide for an immediate first issue of the periodical at thetime, and or immediately following, the creation and/or commencement ofthe individual subscriber's subscription. In this manner, an individualsubscriber can, for example, go to a retail facility, such as a magazinestand, request and enter into a subscription for a magazine, have thesubscription initiated and/or created via the point-of-sale transactiondevice 40, and leave the retail facility with the first issue of his orher subscription magazine. In another preferred embodiment, theoperation of the apparatus of the present invention, as described hereinwith reference to the embodiment of FIG. 6, can be readily and easilymodified so as to provide the individual subscriber with a first issueof the subscription periodical and provide for an appropriate charging,debiting, and/or crediting, of the subscription account, as desired.

The operation of the embodiment of FIGS. 7A and 7B commences at step200. At step 201, the individual subscriber desiring to pick up an issueof his periodical, and/or the salesperson or checkout person at theretail facility, can request the periodical issue by accessing thecentral subscription fulfillment processing computers 20 via thepoint-of-sale transaction device 40. Once the central subscriptionfulfillment processing computers 20 is accessed, subscription accountinformation is entered into the point-of-sale transaction device 40, atstep 202, by inputting same via the user input device 40E and/or byswiping a respective account card, smart card, credit card, charge card,debit card, and/or value card, utilized in conjunction with thesubscription account, in the scanner/reader 40B.

At step 202, any other information regarding and/or further identifyingthe subscription account can also be entered and/or input. At step 203,the information entered and/or input at step 202 is transmitted to, andreceived by, the central subscription fulfillment processing computer20. At step 204, the central subscription fulfillment processingcomputer 20 will process the information and determine whether thesubscription account is still active. If, at step 204, it is determinedthat the subscription account is not active, the central subscriptionprocessing computer 20 will, at step 205, transmit a signal to thepoint-of-sale transaction device 40, to provide notification of theinactive or lapsed account.

Thereafter, operation of the present invention will cease at step 206and the individual subscriber may thereafter, access the centralsubscription processing computer 10 in order to re-open and/or renew thesubscription. In another preferred embodiment, the central subscriptionfulfillment processing computer 20 can transfer operation to the centralsubscription processing computer 10, at step 205. Thereafter,subscription account re-opening and/or renewal can occur on-line via thepoint-of-sale transaction device 40 and operation can proceed to step202 to re-enter the pertinent account information. This preferredembodiment operation can facilitate a re-opening or renewal of thesubscription account in one and the same interaction between theindividual subscriber and the salesperson or check-out person at theretail facility.

If, at step 204, it is determined that the subscription account is stillactive, operation will proceed to step 207 and the central subscriptionfulfillment processing computer 20 will determine if any issues remainto be fulfilled on the subscription account. If, at step 207, it isdetermined that no issues remain to be fulfilled, then operation willproceed to step 205 described above and notification of this fact willbe provided to the individual subscriber and/or the salesperson and/orcheckout person via the point-of-sale transaction device 40.

Thereafter, operation of the apparatus will proceed as described abovewith operation either ceasing and/or the individual subscriber renewingthe subscription, extending the term of the subscription, and/orpurchasing additional issues and/or arranging for same.

If, at step 207, it is determined that issues remain to be fulfilled onthe subscription account, then operation will proceed to step 208 andthe central subscription fulfillment processing computer 20 willtransmit a signal to the point-of-sale transaction device 40 authorizingthe pick-up of the issue by the individual subscriber. In the preferredembodiment, at step 208, the point-of-sale device 40, will generate andprint a receipt of the transaction, via the printer or output device40I, for the retail facility for the facility's records. In thepreferred embodiment, at step 208, the point-of-sale device 40, willalso generate and print a receipt of the transaction, via the printer oroutput device 40I, for the individual subscriber for the individualsubscriber's records.

At step 209, the central subscription fulfillment processing computer 20will record the fulfillment of the issue delivery and/or transaction,decrease by one the number of issues remaining to be fulfilled on thesubscription account, and provide all record updating for thesubscription account.

The central subscription fulfillment processing computer 20, in thepreferred embodiment, at step 209, will also update any and/or pertinentsubscription account records and/or information, for the subscriptionaccount, in its database 20H as well as the corresponding records and/orinformation for the subscription account which are stored in thedatabase 10H of the central subscription processing computer 10. Theseupdates to the central subscription processing computer database 10H canbe performed via transmitting an appropriate signal to the centralsubscription processing computer 10 and/or via dynamically linkeddatabase methods and/or techniques, and/or via nay other device, methodand/or techniques known by those skilled in the art.

Thereafter, operation of the apparatus will cease at step 210.

In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the apparatusand method of the present invention can provide for, and can performfulfillment services for, and regarding, subscriptions which haveflexibility regarding when issues can be obtained and/or skipped whilestill providing the individual subscriber with the value of, and/or withthe number of subscriptions which the individual subscriber hascontracted for. In this manner, an individual subscriber who knows aheadof time that he or she may not be able to utilized issues of theperiodical at certain times, can forego obtaining same and effectivelylengthen the subscription term or duration until he or she receives allissues.

For example, in one embodiment of such a flexible subscription account,an individual subscriber can enter a subscription for a monthly magazinewhereby he or she will receive twelve (12) monthly issues within afifteen (15) month period. If the individual subscriber obtains thetwelve issues prior to the end of the fifteen month period he or she cansimply renew the subscription as described herein and/or in any otherappropriate manner.

The amount of subscription flexibility can be dictated by eachsubscription providing and/or offering entity.

FIGS. 8A and 8B illustrate a flow diagram of another preferredembodiment method for utilizing the apparatus of the present inventionwherein the present invention is utilized to fulfill subscriptionsand/or to service subscriptions.

In the preferred embodiment of FIGS. 8A and 8B, the apparatus of thepresent invention allows the individual subscriber to pick-up the issuesof the periodicals at a retail facility, such as at a newsstand and/orat a magazine stand, thereby allowing the individual subscriber thefreedom and convenience of picking up issues at any desired time and/orfrom any desired retail facility. Further, in the embodiment of FIGS. 8Aand 8B, the present invention allows the individual subscriber to selecta subscription term in which to receive or obtain a pre-specified numberof issues of the subscription. In this manner, for example, anindividual subscriber may skip or miss issues of a subscription andreceive or obtain future issues within the same subscription period,without forfeiting the value of the subscription.

The flexible subscription described in conjunction with the preferredembodiment of FIGS. 8A and 8B, can provide an individual subscriber withgreater flexibility in receiving subscriptions as well as serve as anincentive to enter into a subscription in the first place. Theindividual subscriber can also take advantage of subscription discounts(such as discounts from cover price and/or otherwise) while obtainingthe desired flexibility in obtaining subscription issues. An individualsubscriber can, as a result, obtain and enjoy the full value and/ornumber of issues when and if he or she can.

It is understood, however, that flexibility can be limited. Asubscription provider may set a maximum time period or subscriptionduration during which time the individual must obtain all of his or hersubscription issues or forfeit same. These terms, however, can be agreedupon by the contracting parties.

The operation of the embodiment of FIGS. 8A and 8B commences at step300. At step 301, the individual subscriber desiring to pick up an issueof his periodical, and/or the salesperson or checkout person at theretail facility, can request the periodical issue by accessing thecentral subscription fulfillment processing computers 20 via thepoint-of-sale transaction device 40. Once the central subscriptionfulfillment processing computers 20 is accessed, subscription accountinformation is entered into the point-of-sale transaction device 40, atstep 302, by inputting same via the user input device 40E and/or byswiping a respective account card, smart card, credit card, charge card,debit card, and/or value card, utilized in conjunction with thesubscription account, in the scanner/reader 40B.

At step 302, any other information regarding and/or further identifyingthe subscription account can also be entered and/or input. At step 303,the information entered and/or input at step 302 is transmitted to, andreceived by, the central subscription fulfillment processing computer20. At step 304, the central subscription fulfillment processingcomputer 20 will process the information and determine whether thesubscription account is still active. If, at step 304, it is determinedthat the subscription account is not active, the central subscriptionprocessing computer 20 will, at step 305, transmit a signal to thepoint-of-sale transaction device 40, to provide notification of theinactive or lapsed account.

Thereafter, operation of the present invention will cease at step 306and the individual subscriber may thereafter, access the centralsubscription processing computer 10 in order to re-open and/or renew thesubscription. In another preferred embodiment, the central subscriptionfulfillment processing computer 20 can transfer operation to the centralsubscription processing computer 10, at step 305. Thereafter,subscription account re-opening and/or renewal can occur on-line via thepoint-of-sale transaction device 40 and operation can proceed to step302 to re-enter the pertinent account information. This preferredembodiment operation can facilitate a re-opening or renewal of thesubscription account in one and the same interaction between theindividual subscriber and the salesperson or check-out person at theretail facility.

If, at step 304, it is determined that the subscription account is stillactive, operation will proceed to step 307A and the central subscriptionfulfillment processing computer 20 will determine if any issues remainto be fulfilled on the subscription account. If, at step 307A, it isdetermined that no issues remain to be fulfilled, then operation willproceed to step 305 described above and notification of this fact willbe provided to the individual subscriber and/or the salesperson and/orcheckout person via the point-of-sale transaction device 40.

Thereafter, operation of the apparatus will proceed as described abovewith operation either ceasing and/or the individual subscriber renewingthe subscription, extending the term of the subscription, and/orpurchasing additional issues and/or arranging for same.

If, at step 307A, it is determined that issues remain to be fulfilled onthe subscription account, then operation will proceed to step 307B andthe central subscription fulfillment processing computer 20 willdetermine if the maximum time period or duration of the subscription hasexpired or lapsed. If, at step 307B, it is determined that the timeperiod or duration of the subscription has expired or lapsed, thenoperation will proceed to step 305 described above and notification ofthis fact will be provided to the individual subscriber and/or thesalesperson and/or checkout person via the point-of-sale transactiondevice 40. Thereafter, operation of the apparatus will proceed asdescribed above with operation either ceasing and/or the individualsubscriber renewing the subscription, extending the term of thesubscription, and/or purchasing additional issues and/or arranging forsame.

If, at step 307B, it is determined that the time period or duration forthe subscription has not expired, then operation will proceed to step308 and the central subscription fulfillment processing computer 20 willtransmit a signal to the point-of-sale transaction device 40 authorizingthe pick-up of the issue by the individual subscriber. In the preferredembodiment, at step 308, the point-of-sale device 40, will generate andprint a receipt of the transaction, via the printer or output device40I, for the retail facility for the facility's records. In thepreferred embodiment, at step 308, the point-of-sale device 40, willalso generate and print a receipt of the transaction, via the printer oroutput device 40I, for the individual subscriber for the individualsubscriber's records.

At step 309, the central subscription fulfillment processing computer 20will record the fulfillment of the issue delivery and/or transaction,decrease by one the number of issues remaining to be fulfilled on thesubscription account, and provide all record updating for thesubscription account. The central subscription fulfillment processingcomputer 20, in the preferred embodiment, at step 309, will also updateany and/or pertinent subscription account records and/or information,for the subscription account, in its database 20H as well as thecorresponding records and/or information for the subscription accountwhich are stored in the database 10H of the central subscriptionprocessing computer 10.

The above-described updates to the central subscription processingcomputer database 10H can be performed via transmitting an appropriatesignal to the central subscription processing computer 10 and/or viadynamically linked database methods and/or techniques, and/or via nayother device, method and/or techniques known by those skilled in theart.

Thereafter, operation of the apparatus will cease at step 310.

Alternatively, in any and/or all of the embodiments described herein,the subscription(s) may be initiated via a conventional mailing ofsubscription order form, and/or a “blow-in card” and/or a “bind-in card”typically found in periodicals.

In any and/or all of the embodiments described herein, the centralsubscription processing computer 10 and/or the central subscriptionfulfillment processing computer 20 can provide processing for any numberand/or type of subscriptions. In this manner, the central subscriptionprocessing computer 10 and/or the central subscription fulfillmentprocessing computer 20 can administer, manage, service, and/or provideprocessing, for any number and/or types of subscriptions.

In any and/or all of the embodiments described herein, the apparatus andmethod of the present invention can provide for subscriptions which canbe initiated and/or created via any communication device 30 and/or anypoint-of-sale transaction device 40. In any and/or all of theembodiments described herein, the subscriptions can be fulfilled and/orservices by any retail and/or other facility. In this manner, forexample, an individual subscriber may initiate a subscription for aperiodical from any location and pick up the issues of the subscriptionfrom any retail facility, newsstand and/or store which is aparticipating facility and/or a facility which utilizes the presentinvention and/or which utilizes an appropriate point-of-sale transactiondevice 40, thereby providing flexibility in the issue pick-up location.

In any and/or all of the embodiments described herein, the individualsubscriber or an agent and/or other third party intermediary, can accessthe central subscription processing computer 10 and/or the centralsubscription fulfillment processing computer 20, via the communicationdevice 30 and/or via the point-of-sale transaction device 40 so as toascertain the status of a subscription such as, but not limited to,whether the subscription is active or inactive, and/or the fulfillmentstatus of the subscription, such as, but not limited to, the number ofissues remaining, time for next renewal, etc.

In any and/or all of the embodiments described herein, the centralsubscription processing computer 10 and/or the central subscriptionfulfillment processing computer 20 can also notify individualsubscribers, via any means, method and/or manner of communication, viathe communication device 30 and/or the point-of-sale transaction device40, of available subscriptions, of subscription sales and/or specials,of available new issues, renewal notices, extension notices, terminationnotices, subscription creation and/or initiation notices, shipment toand/or arrival of the subscription issue, goods and/or services at arespective retail facility and/or other facility, and/or of any otherinformation which may be of interest to an individual subscriber.

In any and/or all of the embodiments described herein, the apparatus andmethod of the present invention can be utilized as a subscriptionclearinghouse, to match individual subscribers to subscriptions, whereininformation regarding any number of, and types of, subscriptions can bestored in the database 10H of the central subscription processingcomputer 10 and/or the database 20H of the central subscriptionfulfillment processing computer 20. Any individual subscriber can accessthe respective central subscription processing computer 10 and/orcentral subscription fulfillment processing computer 20 and search for adesired subscription or subscriptions. The individual subscriber maythen apply for, and/or purchase a subscription.

In any and/or all of the embodiments described herein, an individualsubscriber can list an order for a subscription and/or subscriptions,with information regarding the order being stored in the database 10 ofthe central subscription processing computer 10 and/or the database 20Hof the central subscription fulfillment processing computer 20. Thecentral subscription processing computer 10 and/or the centralsubscription fulfillment processing computer 20 can thereafter processthe order or order and notify the individual via the communicationdevice 30 and/or the point-of-sale transaction device 40 if and when theordered subscription is available. The individual subscriber may benotified via e-mail, electronic transmission, pager message, beepermessage, telephone call, telephone message, letter, voice message,physical mail delivery, and/or via any other appropriate means, methodand/or technique.

In any and/or all of the embodiments described herein, any of thecentral subscription processing computer(s) 10, the central subscriptionfulfillment processing computer(s) 20, the communication device(s) 30,and/or the point-of-sale transaction device(s), can be programmed forautomatic operation, self-activation, and/or programmed operation. Thecentral subscription processing computer 10 and/or the centralsubscription fulfillment processing computer 20 can be programmed toautomatically generate and/or to transmit messages and/or notices to anyof the individual subscribers, retailers, goods and/or servicesproviders, etc., regarding subscriptions, subscription fulfillment, theavailability of subscriptions, availability of issues and/or goodsand/or services which are the subject of a subscription.

In any and/or all of the embodiments described herein, intelligentagents, software agents, and/or mobile agents, can be utilized so as toact on behalf of any of the parties and/or any of the respectivecomputers and/or devices described herein. Applicant hereby incorporatesby reference herein the subject matter of the Agent Sourcebook, AComplete Guide to Desktop, Internet and Intranet Agents, by AlperCaglayan and Colin Harrison, Wiley Computer Publishing, 1997. Applicantalso incorporates by reference herein the subject matter of CoolIntelligent Agents For The Net, by Leslie L. Lesnick with Ralph E.Moore, IDG Books Worldwide, Inc. 1997.

The present invention provides an apparatus and method for providingsubscription and/or subscription fulfillment services, and/orsubscription related services. Individual subscribers can obtainsubscriptions at discounts off the cover or list prices which being ableto maintain control over their ability to receive the issues, goodsand/or services, which are the subject of the subscription.

The present invention provides an apparatus and a method wherein allparties benefit. Individuals can obtain Subscriptions at cheapersubscription rates and obtain the issues, goods and/or services, whichare the subject subscription, where and when desired. Retailers,subscription fulfillment entities, and/or entities can enjoy thebenefits of increased business and/or repeated business from individualsubscribers. Subscription providers can enjoy the benefits of havingincreased subscriptions and/or subscription rates.

While the present invention has been described and illustrated invarious preferred and alternate embodiments, such descriptions aremerely illustrative of the present invention and are not to be construedto be limitations thereof. In this regard, the present inventionencompasses all modifications, variations and/or alternate embodiments,with the scope of the present invention being limited only by the claimswhich follow.

1. An apparatus, comprising: a receiver for receiving a request toreceive or pick-up a good, a service, or a printed issue of at least oneof a periodical, a newspaper, and a magazine, at a retail facility or astore, or at a location of a service provider, pursuant to asubscription; a processing device for processing information regardingthe request, wherein the processing device determines whether thesubscription is active or not active or determines whether any good, anyservice, or any issue or any issues of the at least one of a periodical,a newspaper, and a magazine, remain to be fulfilled pursuant to thesubscription; and a transmitter for transmitting a message in responseto the request, wherein the message contains an authorization or adenial of the request, and further wherein the message is transmitted toa transaction device located at the retail facility or the store or atthe location of the service provider.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1,wherein the apparatus processes information for at least one of renewingthe subscription, extending the subscription, and canceling orterminating the subscription.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein theapparatus processes information for creating or initiating thesubscription.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the subscription isfor a specified number of goods, services, or printed issues and is fora specified time period, and further wherein one or more of the goods,services, or printed issues can be skipped or foregone in or during thespecified time period while allowing a subscriber to be able to pick-upor receive all of the specified number of goods, services, or printedissues in or during the specified time period.
 5. The apparatus of claim1, further comprising: a scanner device or a reader device for swipingor reading information stored on an account card associated with thesubscription.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatusprocesses information regarding a search for the subscription or asearch for a second subscription.
 7. The apparatus of claim 1, whereinthe apparatus determines that the subscription is not active andprocesses information for re-opening or renewing the subscription. 8.The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus generates a secondmessage, wherein the second message contains information regarding atleast one of an availability of a subscription and a subscription saleor special, and further wherein the apparatus transmits the secondmessage to the transaction device or to a communication deviceassociated with an individual or a subscriber.
 9. The apparatus of claim1, wherein the apparatus generates a second message, wherein the secondmessage contains information regarding at least one of an availabilityof a subscription good, service, or issue, a shipment of a subscriptiongood or issue to the retail facility or the store or to the location ofthe service provider, and an arrival of a subscription good or issue atthe retail facility or the store or at the location of the serviceprovider, and further wherein the apparatus transmits the second messageto the transaction device or to a communication device associated withan individual or a subscriber.
 10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein theapparatus receives a second request to receive or pick-up a ticket ortickets to or for a sporting event, sporting events, an entertainmentevent, entertainment events, a movie, movies, a show, shows, a theaterperformance, or theater performances, at the retail facility or thestore pursuant to a second subscription, and further wherein theapparatus processes information regarding the second request, determineswhether the second subscription is active or not active or determineswhether any ticket or any tickets remain to be fulfilled pursuant to thesecond subscription, and transmits a second message in response to thesecond request, wherein the second message contains informationregarding an authorization or a denial of the second request, andfurther wherein the second message is transmitted to the firsttransaction device or to a second transaction device located at theretail facility or the store or at the location of the service provider.11. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus processesinformation regarding a changing of the retail facility or the store orthe location of the service provider from which a good, a service, or aprinted issue of the at least one of a periodical, a newspaper, and amagazine, can be received or picked-up.
 12. An apparatus, comprising: aprocessing device for processing a request to create or initiate asubscription which allows for goods, services, or printed issues of atleast one of a periodical, a newspaper, and a magazine, to be picked-upor received at a retail facility or a store or at another retailfacility or another store, or at a location of a service provider,wherein the request is transmitted from a communication device or from atransaction device associated with the retail facility or the store orthe location of a service provider, wherein the request containsinformation regarding a specified number of goods, services, or printedissues of the at least one of a periodical, a newspaper, and a magazine,to be picked-up or received at the retail facility or the store or atanother retail facility or another store or at the location of a serviceprovider in or during a specified time period, wherein one or more ofthe goods, services, or printed issues can be skipped or foregone in orduring the specified time period while ensuring that a subscriber isable to pick-up or receive all of the specified number of the goods,services, or printed issues at the retail facility or the store or atanother retail facility or another store, or at the location of aservice provider, in or during the specified time period, wherein therequest is processed with a processing device, wherein the apparatuscreates or initiates a subscription in response to the request andtransmits a message to the communication device or to the transactiondevice associated with the retail facility or the store or the locationof the service provider, wherein the message contains informationregarding the subscription which was created or initiated.
 13. Theapparatus of claim 12, wherein the apparatus processes information forat least one of renewing the subscription, extending the subscription,and canceling or terminating the subscription.
 14. The apparatus ofclaim 12, wherein the apparatus processes information regarding a searchfor the subscription or a search for a second subscription.
 15. Theapparatus of claim 12, wherein the apparatus generates a second message,wherein the second message contains information regarding at least oneof an availability of a subscription, an availability of a subscriptiongood, service, or issue, a shipment of a subscription good or issue tothe retail facility or the store or to another retail facility oranother store or to the location of a service provider, and an arrivalof a subscription good or issue at the retail facility or the store orat another retail facility or another store or at the location of aservice provider, and wherein the apparatus transmits the second messageto the transaction device or to a communication device associated withan individual or the subscriber.
 16. The apparatus of claim 12, whereinthe apparatus processes a second request, wherein the second request isa request to create or initiate a second subscription, wherein thesecond subscription allows for a ticket or tickets to be picked-up orreceived at the retail facility or the store or at another retailfacility or another store or at the location of a service provider,wherein the second request is transmitted from the communication deviceor from the transaction device, or the second request is transmittedfrom a second communication device or from a second transaction deviceassociated with the retail facility or the store or associated withanother retail facility or another store or associated with the locationof a service provider, wherein the apparatus processes information forcreating or initiating a second subscription in response to the secondrequest and transmits a second message to the communication device or tothe transaction device, or transmits the second message to the secondcommunication device or to the second transaction device, wherein thesecond message contains information regarding the second subscriptionwhich was created or initiated.
 17. The apparatus of claim 16, whereinthe second subscription is a subscription for a ticket or tickets to orfor a sporting event, sporting events, an entertainment event,entertainment events, a movie, movies, a show, shows, a theaterperformance, or theater performances.
 18. An apparatus, comprising: aprocessing device for processing a request to create or initiate asubscription which allows for goods, services, or printed issues of atleast one of a periodical, a newspaper, and a magazine, to be picked-upor received at a retail facility or a store or at a location of aservice provider, wherein the request is transmitted from acommunication device or from a transaction device associated with aretail facility or a store or is associated with a location of a serviceprovider, wherein the request contains information regarding a specifiednumber of goods, services, or printed issues of at least one of aperiodical, a newspaper, and a magazine, to be picked-up or received inor during a specified time period, and a retail facility or a store or alocation of a service provider from which the goods, services, orprinted issues can be picked-up or received, wherein the apparatusprocesses information for creating or initiating a subscription inresponse to the request and transmits a message to the communicationdevice or to the transaction device associated with the retail facilityor the store or associated with the location of a service provider,wherein the message contains information regarding the subscriptionwhich was created or initiated.
 19. The apparatus of claim 18, whereinone or more of the goods, services, or printed issues can be skipped orforegone in or during the specified time period while allowing asubscriber to be able to pick-up or receive all of the specified numberof the goods, services, or printed issues in or during the specifiedtime period.
 20. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the apparatusprocesses information for at least one of renewing the subscription,extending the subscription, and canceling or terminating thesubscription.